What Is The Conjuring About?
The premise of The Conjuring in 298 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the early 1970s, a young family—Carolyn and Roger Perron and their five daughters—settles into a remote farmhouse in Rhode Island, hoping a fresh start will bring peace. The house, perched amid the quiet woods of Harrisville, exudes a timeless, creaking charm that feels both inviting and unsettled, hinting at histories long buried beneath its weather‑worn walls. From the moment they arrive, the family begins to notice subtle, unsettling changes in their children’s behavior, an atmosphere of unease that spreads through the rooms like a cold draft.
Seeking answers, the Perrons turn to the renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Ed brings a pragmatic, methodical approach honed by years of confronting the unseen, while Lorraine offers a compassionate, intuitive sensitivity that balances his skepticism. Their partnership forms the emotional core of the story, a blend of steadfast resolve and empathetic curiosity that drives them deeper into mysteries that ordinary people shy away from.
The film builds its tension through a careful balance of period detail and atmospheric dread. Shadows linger in hallways, the wind whistles through cracked windows, and ordinary household sounds are amplified into foreboding omens. The tone remains steadily unsettling—never fully overtaking the senses, but always suggesting that something unseen lurks just beyond the edge of perception. This pervasive mood invites viewers to feel the same mix of hope and apprehension that the Perrons experience as they confront the unknown.
As the Warrens begin their investigation, the narrative settles into a slow‑burning rhythm, allowing the characters’ relationships and personal convictions to surface against the backdrop of an eerie New England setting. The story promises a battle between faith and fear, where the true terror may lie not in blatant horrors, but in the quiet, relentless challenge of protecting a family from forces that defy explanation.
What Happens in The Conjuring?
The complete story of The Conjuring, from the first scene to the last, in 848 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
In the year 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron, along with their five daughters, move into a run-down old farmhouse located in Harrisville, Rhode Island. As they settle into their new home, one notable oddity arises: their dog refuses to enter the house. That very night, while the kids are engrossed in a game of hide-and-clap, one of the daughters stumbles upon a boarded-up cellar entrance. Following Roger’s inspection of the basement using a match, the family retires for the evening. Carolyn can’t shake off her unease as the dog barks frantically outside, and one daughter feels a disturbing tugging at her feet.
Upon waking the next day, Carolyn discovers an unexplained bruise on her body, and the family is devastated to find their dog, Sadie, dead. In the subsequent days, a series of bizarre paranormal events unfold—doors creak open and shut on their own, and Carolyn hears disembodied clapping. Disturbingly, their younger daughter Cindy sleepwalks, wandering into her older sister’s bedroom and banging her head against an old wardrobe. The situation reaches a terrifying climax when an evil spirit, resembling an elderly woman, attacks the eldest daughter.
Desperate for help, Carolyn turns to Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned paranormal investigators. Lorraine recounts sensing a malevolent spirit that has latched onto the Perrons. Following an initial investigation, they inform the family that an exorcism may be necessary, but further evidence and authorization from the Catholic Church is a prerequisite. As they delve into the house’s shadowy past, Ed and Lorraine uncover a chilling connection to Bathsheba, an accused witch. The haunting history reveals that Bathsheba had made a sinister pact before ending her life after sacrificing her infant, vowing to curse all who dare to inhabit her land. This discovery is compounded by multiple reports of murders and suicides tied to the property.
Determined to verify the presence of Bathsheba’s spirit, Ed and Lorraine enlist the assistance of a police officer and another paranormal investigator, Drew. They set up thermal cameras and alarms throughout the house to catch evidence of the haunting. The first night yields little activity, and the clocks fail to stop at the witching hour of 3:07 AM. Over breakfast the next day, Roger expresses his gratitude towards Ed, while Ed reveals the toll that each exorcism takes on Lorraine.
However, when darkness descends once more, horrific events unfold as Cindy once again sleepwalks. The thermal cameras capture a sharp temperature drop surrounding her as she ventures into the wardrobe. Suddenly, the door slams shut. When they manage to breach the door, a secret passage is revealed, leading to the cellar where Lorraine encounters the tormented spirits Bathsheba has claimed. It becomes alarmingly clear that Bathsheba’s dark intention is to possess mothers in order to kill their children.
With no time to lose, Ed and Lorraine seek out Father Gordan to facilitate an exorcism while the Perron family seeks refuge in a nearby hotel. Their brief respite is cut short when Carolyn drives back to the house with two of her daughters. Ed and Lorraine quickly arrive to find Roger and the police officer struggling to control Carolyn, who is in a trance, desperately trying to harm one of her daughters. Ed insists upon calling for the priest, only to be reminded that he is too distant to arrive in time, compelling Ed to conduct the exorcism himself.
As the others hold the constrained Carolyn down during the vital ritual, a moment of calm suggests that they may have succeeded. But this peace swiftly shatters as her chair flips and Carolyn levitates upside down. Ed boldly commands the demon to release her, and after a life-threatening standoff, Carolyn falls helplessly to the ground. In a frantic moment, she chokes out, “She’s already gone.”
Meanwhile, Drew discovers April hiding beneath the kitchen’s floorboards, inadvertently triggering Carolyn’s possession once more as she races upstairs. The entity forces Carolyn to pursue April, intent on completing the horrific sacrifice. Ed, Lorraine, and Roger urgently follow, arriving just in time to confront the possessed Carolyn. In a desperate attempt, Lorraine reaches down, grasping Carolyn’s head, urging her to remember the profound value of her family and the irreversible consequences of her actions.
Slightly touched by Lorraine’s plea, Carolyn’s demeanor changes; her face softens, and she eventually places April down, the grip of evil seemingly loosening. The scene then shifts to a now bright and hopeful morning, as Carolyn emerges into the sunlight, her bruises visibly fading, and she is joyfully united with her family.
With the demon finally exorcised from the Perron home, Ed and Lorraine return to their own residence. As Ed steps into his room filled with possessed objects and artifacts, he places the ominous music box from the farmhouse onto a shelf. Lorraine joins him, and they exit together, leaving the music box momentarily silent. However, as the camera lingers, the music box ominously springs to life, filling the air with its haunting melody. The camera gradually zooms in on its reflective surface, and as the eerie tune concludes, the screen fades to black, ushering in the credits.
The Conjuring Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Perron Family Moves In” to “An Ominous Conclusion”. 15 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
The Perron Family Moves In
In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron relocate to a dilapidated farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island, accompanied by their five daughters. Soon after they settle in, they notice their dog refusing to enter the house, foreshadowing the strange occurrences that are to follow.
When:1971 Where:Harrisville, Rhode Island
- 2
Unsettling Discoveries
On their first night, while the children play a game of hide-and-clap, one daughter finds a boarded-up entrance to the cellar. Despite Roger's brief inspection, tension builds as Carolyn is unable to shake her unease with the dog barking outside and her daughter experiencing a disturbing sensation.
When:Night of arrival Where:The farmhouse
- 3
Tragic Loss
The following morning, Carolyn is shocked to discover a mysterious bruise on her body, and the family faces the heart-wrenching loss of their dog, Sadie. This tragic event marks the beginning of increasingly strange and terrifying disturbances in their home.
When:Next morning Where:The farmhouse
- 4
First Signs of Disturbance
Bizarre paranormal events escalate, with doors creaking open and closed, as well as Carolyn hearing ghostly clapping sounds. Their younger daughter Cindy sleepwalks into her sister's room, leading to alarming incidents that emphasize the house's dark presence.
When:Following days Where:The farmhouse
- 5
Encounter with the Evil Spirit
The family's nightmares deepen when an evil spirit, appearing as an elderly woman, assaults the eldest daughter. This encounter amplifies Carolyn's urgency to seek help, feeling the malevolence within their new home.
When:Subsequent nights Where:The farmhouse
- 6
Seeking Help from the Warrens
Desperate, Carolyn turns to renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Lorraine makes a grim assessment, sensing a malevolent spirit, leading the Warrens to suggest that an exorcism might be necessary after gathering more evidence.
When:After initial haunting events Where:Warren's residence
- 7
Uncovering the Haunting History
As the Warrens investigate, they stumble upon the sinister history of Bathsheba, an accused witch who cursed the land. The revelation of murders and suicides tied to the farmhouse compels the Warrens to take further action against the evil spirit.
When:During investigation Where:Historical records
- 8
Setting Up for the Investigation
Ed and Lorraine enlist the help of a police officer and another paranormal investigator, Drew, to monitor the house. They strategically install thermal cameras and alarms, seeking concrete evidence of the haunting.
When:Before the first night of monitoring Where:The farmhouse
- 9
Night of Terrifying Findings
During the first night of monitoring, little activity is observed, as the clocks do not stop at the witching hour of 3:07 AM. However, after breakfast, the gravity of the situation becomes clear to the family amid escalating incidents involving their daughter Cindy.
When:First night of monitoring Where:The farmhouse
- 10
Desperate Ritual
As Carolyn succumbs to the evil presence, Ed realizes that Father Gordan won't arrive in time. He bravely takes it upon himself to conduct the exorcism, leading to a furious confrontation between the Warrens and the demonic force controlling Carolyn.
When:During exorcism Where:The farmhouse
Show the other 5 events of The Conjuring Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Climax of the Exorcism
During the exorcism, Carolyn levitates, and a tense battle ensues as Ed commands the demon to release her. The moment shifts dramatically as Carolyn chokes out, 'She's already gone,' indicating the overwhelming grasp of the spirit.
When:During the exorcism Where:The farmhouse
- 12
A Mother's Struggle
As the battle continues, Drew finds April hiding in the kitchen, inadvertently triggering Carolyn's possession once more. The haunting spirit drives Carolyn to threaten her daughter, but the Warrens race against time to intervene before it’s too late.
When:During exorcism Where:The farmhouse
- 13
Breaking the Possession
In a moment of desperation, Lorraine reaches out to Carolyn, urging her to remember her family. Touched by Lorraine's words, Carolyn's demeanor starts to shift as she finds the strength to release herself from the grip of evil, saving April.
When:During exorcism Where:The farmhouse
- 14
Calm After the Storm
Following the successful exorcism, Carolyn emerges into the sunlight, her physical wounds fading alongside her traumatic experience. The Perron family is finally reunited, symbolizing hope and healing after the tumultuous ordeal.
When:Morning after exorcism Where:The farmhouse
- 15
An Ominous Conclusion
The Warrens return home, but as Ed places the ominous music box from the farmhouse on their shelf, a chilling moment ensues. The music box springs to life, signifying that the terror may not be entirely vanquished, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of dread.
When:End of events Where:Warren's residence
Who Are the Main Characters in The Conjuring?
4 characters, among them Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor), Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor)
Played by Lili Taylor
Carolyn is a devoted mother struggling against the dark forces threatening her family. Her journey from unease to possession and ultimately finding strength highlights her deep love and resilience. Although she initially feels powerless, her character arc demonstrates courage in the face of unimaginable horror.
- 👩👧👧 Mother
- 😨 Fear
- 💪 Resilience
-
Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson)
Played by Patrick Wilson
Ed Warren is a passionate paranormal investigator who approaches the haunting with a mix of skepticism and belief. His protective nature towards the Perron family shines through as he confronts the dark entity. Ed's character embodies bravery and determination to safeguard those suffering from supernatural threats.
- 🕵️♂️ Investigator
- 💒 Faith
- 🦸 Hero
-
Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga)
Played by Vera Farmiga
Lorraine Warren, a gifted clairvoyant, plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind the haunting. Her empathetic connection to spirits positions her as a voice of reason and guidance. Lorraine's character highlights the emotional toll that such encounters take on her, showcasing her dedication to preserving the living against malevolent forces.
- 🔮 Clairvoyant
- 💪 Strength
- ❤️ Empathy
-
Roger Perron (Ron Livingston)
Played by Ron Livingston
Roger Perron is the supportive father tasked with protecting his family during their traumatic experiences. His pragmatic approach often buttresses the emotional turmoil within the household. Roger displays a strong sense of responsibility, navigating the challenges brought upon them while seeking help from the Warrens.
- 👨👩👧👧 Family Man
- 💔 Struggle
- 🕵️ Dependable
Where and When Is The Conjuring Set?
The Conjuring is set in Harrisville and Rhode Island (1971). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1971
The early 1970s were marked by a growing interest in psychological horror and supernatural themes in film and literature. It was a period characterized by social upheaval and an increased fascination with paranormal investigations, as people sought to understand and make sense of the unknown. The cultural climate of the time set the stage for stories of haunting and the occult to resonate with audiences.
Where
Harrisville, Rhode Island
Harrisville, Rhode Island, is a small town known for its quiet, rural charm and historic significance. The old farmhouse inhabited by the Perron family is not just a residence but a focal point of dark supernatural occurrences. It is a site of legends and chilling tales, drawing attention from those fascinated by the paranormal.
- 🏡 House
- 🕯️ Haunted
- 👻 Paranormal
What Are the Themes of The Conjuring?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Possession, Investigative Courage and Family Bonds.
-
01
Possession
The theme of possession is central to the film, manifesting in Carolyn's harrowing experience as she becomes overtaken by the spirit of Bathsheba. This theme explores the fragility of human will and the terrifying power of malevolent forces. The struggle to reclaim one's identity from an insidious entity highlights the importance of family and personal strength.
-
02
Investigative Courage
Ed and Lorraine Warren embody the theme of investigative courage as they delve into the haunting's mystery without hesitation. Their commitment to helping the Perron family showcases the lengths one can go to confront darkness. The Warrens represent the pursuit of truth amidst supernatural chaos, emphasizing human bravery in the face of fear.
-
03
Family Bonds
Family bonds are tested throughout the film, particularly as the Perron family endures unthinkable horrors. The love and dedication among the family members serve as their strongest defense against the evil they face. The eventual reunion and healing signify the restoration of harmony, underscoring the significance of familial ties in overcoming adversity.
What Kind of Film Is The Conjuring?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A relentlessly tense and atmospheric horror film that builds a profound sense of dread as a family battles a deeply malevolent supernatural force, culminating in a climactic and exhausting fight for survival.
- dreadful
- oppressive
- anxious
- unsettling
- sinister
- malevolent
- demonic possession
- family in peril
- paranormal investigation
- supernatural horror
Content notes: demonic possession, child endangerment, suicide, animal death, attempted filicide.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Conjuring? Test yourself on the story.
